Graduating into Design: Rebecca Finney’s Top Tips for Starting Your Career – Part 1

Design Insider is delighted to share the first in a two-part series packed with career advice for emerging designers.

Having recently completed the interview process for a Junior Interior Designer position – reviewing hundreds of applications and appointing two new graduates – Creative Director Rebecca Finney of Jasper Sanders + Partners is well-placed to offer advice to emerging design talent.

Following a keynote speech at Sheffield Hallam University earlier this year on what to expect from a career in design, she has shared ten key insights for graduates on what to do – and what to avoid – when pursuing their first role in the design industry.

Creative Director Rebecca Finney of Jasper Sanders + Partners

In Part 1, we Rebecca’s first five tips – from identifying your strengths to making a standout first impression.

1 | Find your USP

Ask yourself what sets you apart from your peers. Even if you’re tempted to say “Nothing,” there is always something unique about your perspective or approach. If you’re unsure what that is, seek feedback – ask tutors or trusted course mates on how they would describe your specific skill set and strengths. You might uncover your distinguishing qualities through reflection, feedback, hands-on exploration or by actively experimenting with various other art media.

2 | Gain Experience

Many people find their way into interior design through diverse beginnings. Perhaps you were drawn to art in school or found inspiration through travel? While these experiences can ignite a passion, imagining how spaces function is quite different from engaging with them in industry. Gaining real-world insight is essential, so pursue as many internships as possible, whether formally structured or informally arranged, to experience a variety of studio cultures first-hand. I had once imagined that I would thrive in a large architectural firm, but I came to realise that a more intimate, design-focused studio was far better aligned with both my working style and long-term career aspirations through gaining invaluable experiences in my early twenties.

3 | Express Individualism

One way to enhance your portfolio is by highlighting your creativity beyond interior design-specific projects. Examples might be fine art, photography or graphic design or anything else that forms part of your journey to now and lets a potential employer know you have much more to offer.

4 | Engagement is Key

In today’s job market, employers can receive hundreds of applications for a single position, many of which are via email. There’s nothing stopping candidates from going one step further and making a phone call. One of the individuals we recently appointed did just that, proactively engaging with us from the very beginning. This approach proved to be a significant competitive advantage, so don’t hesitate to take the initiative – be bold and go for it!

5 | Do Your Research

There’s a vast difference between interviewing someone who is simply seeking any job and someone who genuinely wants to work for you. If you walk into an interview with little to no knowledge about your potential employer, you’re already at a disadvantage. Take the time to understand the sectors they operate in, the types of projects they undertake, and the clients they collaborate with. This preparation will help close the gap between interviewer and candidate, demonstrating that you’re genuinely invested in the opportunity to work for that specific company.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Rebecca shares five more essential tips – including how to handle feedback, present your portfolio with confidence, and build the resilience every designer needs to thrive.